This fine buckle (the pair is missing) has a French mint acceptance stamp in the shape of a boar's head, which came in in 1838. This does not necessarily relate to the date of the manufacture of the piece, which, in style terms, is closer to the Napoleonic Wars as, by 1838, buckled shoes had gone out of use except perhaps at court.

The shell motif is the clue to the buckle probably being that of a naval officer or perhaps merchant seaman. It is 6mm across the axis.

The photo shows some coppery hints, which are in real life not present on the piece.

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